Couldn't ask for much more in a beginner trip that I'd been dreaming of for 20+ years. Maybe just more waterproof sunscreen for my schnaz!

Size and shape of waves at Dominicalito (about 10 minutes south of the main beach) is more suitable for beginners. There were two other good, gentle spots we surfed over the 14 day trip, too, but their names escape me now...

Take stingray warnings seriously. One instructor got stung 'cause he doesn't bother with "the shuffle". Though it was his first sting in 12 years and it didn't slow him down much, some people have much more of a reaction; it was a pretty nasty wound with plenty of bleeding.